Teens Getting High On "Weed Candy"

Medical and legal marijuana has led to a growth industry for THC-laden food products, including a range of candy bars, lollipops, gummy candies, chocolates and hard candies that have been finding their way into the hands—and mouths—of school children. Police from Florida to Oregon, through Texas and the Midwest, have been reporting the growing trend. States near Washington and Colorado have also been reporting a sharp increase in drug arrests that also net quantities of marijuana-laced candy. The candy sells on the street for as little as a dollar a piece, but also sells briskly at as much $10 a piece. Some of the candy is made for sale in legal dispensaries, and is packaged to look like common brands of candy.

Other areas are reporting the use of weed candy that is cooked up at home, out of simple ingredients like corn syrup and powdered drink mix. Some kids attempt to make it themselves, but others buy from dealers who make the candy with dangerously concentrated THC, synthetic THC or other unregulated ingredients. The odorless candy can pack a serious punch and seriously impair driving, not to mention ability to learn anything.

In an effort to combat the appeal of marijuana for kids, Georgia has banned the sale of marijuana-flavored candy to minors, but a national measure to ban marketing controlled substances to minors died in the Senate Judiciary Committee.

Parents and police are being advised that even if weed candy hasn't hit your area yet, it's a matter of time. Parents and school officials can watch for unwrapped candy, candy with strange brand names, and the classic signs of marijuana use like slurred words or slowed motor control. Parents can also monitor their kids' Internet history to see if they've been researching DIY recipes.

Sequester's Impact on Tribal Law and Order

Across the board cuts to federal programs seem all but assured of going into effect next week. While  the effects won't be apparent right away, everyone will be feeling the pain before long, if the folks in Washington don't do something to reverse this legislation.

Already understaffed tribal courts stand to take a hit, as do programs to support intelligence sharing and provide alternatives to detention. Grant funds to support tribal Community Oriented Policing (like our own Tribal Prescription Drug and Drug Endangered Children program) will be cut a whopping 25%. The Bureau of Prisons will be cut, dashing hopes for improving and staffing tribal detention facilities. Health programs will get cut more than 8%—contrary to a law that states it can't be cut more than 2%—and those cuts are bound to include critical programs to combat substance abuse and support victims of domestic violence or drug endangerment. The BIE will also see crippling cuts to K-12 schools, colleges and vocational schools.

Now is the time to contact your Congressional representatives and let them know that Indian Country needs a federal budget that includes full funding for TLOA, Indian health programs and education programs.  The gains we've been making under TLOA are too important to end up on the chopping block now.

Stay Healthy This Fall!

The seasons are changing and it's time for flu shots! Swine flu (H5N1) can now be transmitted through airborne particles, so it's critical to go in to the nearest clinic. How else is H5N1 different from flu viruses of the past? Take this quiz and be amazed at how much there is to learn about.

Check out Indian Country Today for Walter's other recommendations on how to avoid swine flu, seasonal flus and other epidemics, particularly whooping cough (pertussis) and West Nile Virus.